Isn't there a spot in the film where Obi-Wan predicts his own death? I'd be interested in knowing what he says about his death cause that might explain something.
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Mathew FoscariniApr 22 '12 at 22:07

5

I believe the prediction you are referring to is in Episode two, when Obi-Wan says to Anakin "Why do I get the feeling you'll be the death of me".
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Peter GrillApr 23 '12 at 0:04

3

That's not a prediction. I believe this is meant for fans of the movies since we know that he eventually does die by Anakin's hand. It's just a quirky reference that real fans will clue in on.
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BernardApr 23 '12 at 2:15

I haven't watched a New Hope in a while, but doesn't Obi-Wan go to shut down the power for the tractor beams just to get himself away from Luke. So he can face Darth Vader? I'm going to have to watch it again.
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Mathew FoscariniApr 27 '12 at 16:25

Obi Wan learned a specific force technique from Qui-gon Jin that allows him, after death to retain communication with the living via the force. This partially explains Kenobi's comment.

What Obi Wan is most likely referring to is the fact that if Vader kills him it will drive Luke to learn the force and take on the Empire. Obi Wan believes that since Anakin was not the chosen one, the one who would bring balance to the force, (although arguably either side winning results in unbalance) that Luke is in fact that person. Kenobi is aware of the fact that Luke will witness Vader killing him while he is clearly in a pose of surrender, and he believes this will motivate Luke to become a Jedi Master and a match for Vader.

So Obi's comment foreshadows at least two major plot developments - his post-death ability to tutor Luke in the ways of the force, and Luke's increased interest in the destruction of the Empire/Vader.

This is interesting because it suggests that Obi-Wan is trying to motivate Luke to learn the ways of the force driven by a need for revenge... which is clearly aspect of the dark side of the force.
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LiathJun 17 '13 at 10:15

I always thought that, by eradicating most of the good Jedi, Vader had brought balance to the force ... and that this was not as good as it sounded.
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SamBDec 23 '14 at 21:30

Only a Jedi who adheres to the 'good' side becomes part of The Force in the event of his death.

A Jedi adherent of the dark side who perishes is truly dead; he cannot survive as a part of The Force. Hence Vader, having adopted the dark side, had no knowledge that a Jedi was capable of surviving beyond death. This is why Kenobi warns him that he has a surprise coming if he strikes Kenobi down.

We learn later, in 'Revenge of the Jedi', that the Emperor has imbued Vader with awesome powers, by courtesy of the Dark Side. It gives tremendous power in life, but there is no existence after death. Vader has learned about the Dark Side from the Emperor, so they are both ignorant of the truth about The Force.

Ultimately, Vader saves Luke from the Emperor, turning against the Dark Side, thereby redeeming himself; hence Anakin is accepted into The Force, and Luke can see him - or his 'ghost' or spirit - become a part of it.

It is interesting to note, from Leia's reactions in that final scene, that only Luke can see Kenobi, Yoda and Anakin. Only another Jedi has the power to communicate with one who has passed into The Force. Others, such as Leia, cannot see or communicate with them.

Its a reference to the power of selfless action for the greater good. Martin Luther King and Ghaundi both acted in similar fashion. Their deaths were a catalyst of greater social change.

The original act of selflessness for the salvation of humanity was that of Jesus Christ. Obiwan's death (Oh be One is a play on words refrencing the union of Christ the Son and God the Father) is an homage to Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus appeared multiple times to his disciples after having risen much like Obiwan appears to LUKE as a spirit several times through out the trilogy.